Infertility, Open Adoption, and Answering God’s Call
For more than 40 years, Mardie Caldwell has walked alongside families and women navigating infertility, unplanned pregnancy, and adoption—always guided by faith, compassion, and a deep trust in God’s leading.
In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Mardie shares the story behind Lifetime Adoption, the calling that shaped its mission, and her personal journey that began with infertility and unfolded into a lifetime of service. What started as a quiet step of obedience became a national ministry rooted in open adoption, education, and unwavering respect for everyone involved.
Infertility and the Question of Identity
Infertility affects millions of couples and can lead to grief, confusion, and questions about purpose and identity. Approximately 10–12% of couples in the United States experience infertility or fertility-related challenges.
In this conversation, Mardie speaks openly about her own infertility and how that redirected her path. Rather than seeing infertility as the end of the dream, she shares how it became the beginning of a calling that would impact countless lives through adoption.
What Does it Mean to Feel Called to Adoption?
For many families, adoption begins not with certainty, but with questions. Mardie reflects on what it means to listen for God’s guidance during seasons of waiting and uncertainty, including her use of the Biblical phrase “putting out a fleece.”
What Does “Putting Out a Fleece” Mean?
The phrase comes from Judges 6:36–40, when Gideon sought God’s confirmation before stepping into a daunting calling. Gideon asked God for a specific sign involving a fleece of wool, and God graciously answered—twice—offering reassurance and clarity.
Today, “putting out a fleece” refers to humbly seeking God’s confirmation when discerning His will. In this episode, Mardie uses the phrase to describe trusting God’s direction while honestly asking for reassurance along the way—an encouragement to families who feel called to adoption but are still seeking peace and clarity.
The Early Days of Lifetime Adoption
Mardie shares stories from the early days of Lifetime Adoption, when prayer, small adoption information meetings, and faith laid the foundation for what would become a nationwide adoption agency. The early days of Lifetime Adoption still reflect the heart of the agency today: Christ-centered values, ethical practices, and a commitment to open adoption that honors children, birth moms, and adoptive families.
Resources for Families and Professionals
Called to Adoption
Mardie’s book, Called to Adoption, offers hope and encouragement for couples navigating infertility and deciding whether adoption may be part of their story. It is ideal for those considering adoption and for support groups who help with infertility.
So I Was Thinking About Adoption
Another valuable resource designed to educate and support women considering placing a child for adoption is So I Was Thinking About Adoption. This book is also ideal for pregnancy centers, clinics, and women’s ministries to have on hand as a free resource.
Ellie the Brave, Bald Fairy
Mardie mentioned her book Ellie the Brave, Bald Fairy, which was inspired by her real life granddaughter Ellie, who was facing a stage 3 Wilms kidney cancer diagnosis at age 7. (Today Ellie is healthy and happy!) This heartfelt and inspiring book gives hope to children of all ages facing cancer and other childhood illnesses. With beautiful illustrations, Ellie’s story will gently remind a hurting child that they can be heroes to others.
(A Portion of All Proceeds Support Childhood Cancer Awareness.)
Listen or watch this episode now and share with a family who’s considering adoption.